Update Your Chrome browser extension POP-UP SCAM (Virus removal guide)

What is Update Your Chrome browser extension?

Update Your Chrome browser extension pop-ups are a phishing scam that uses social engineering techniques to trick users into installing malicious software. Similar scams are usually used to promote malware, adware, browser hijackers or trick users to allow push notifications.

Usually, users end up on “Update Your Chrome browser extension” and similar scams by going to a misspelled URL or, clicking on a fake link. In addition, they can be redirected to this scam by malicious advertisements (malvertising) and Adware.

QUICK LINKS

• What is Update Your Chrome browser extension?
• Protection
• How to remove Update Your Chrome browser extension pop ups

The “Update Your Chrome browser extension” scam in detail

When users land on one of the sites running the “Update Your Chrome browser extension” scam, they are presented with an alert disguised as a “Before you continue” warning. This scam instructs victims to click the “Add to Chrome” button. Of course, everything that is said in the warning message is a fake, no part of it can be trusted. Users should ignore the fake alert, in any case not click the “Add to Chrome” button, as this will install malicious software on their computer.

Text presented in the “Update Your Chrome browser extension” scam:

Before you continue
Update your Chrome browser extension; it may be out of date. By clicking Continue below, you will be redirected to the Chrome Store where you can update the Search Verified Chrome browser extension. If you do not already have this browser extension, you will be able to download it, or navigate away to your destination. This extension will offer you a safer web search experience by giving you control to search with a variety of providers.

Verified by Google Chrome.

Instant Results.

“Update your Chrome browser extension” can promote legitimate software, but is more often used to distribute untrustworthy and unreliable apps among which may be fake antivirus software, spyware, trojans, browser hijackers, adware and other malicious software.

In addition, the scam can be used to gain bank account details, or passwords to personal accounts such as social media and email. The collected data can be used to make unauthorized transfers and fraudulent purchases. Moreover, the criminals can use stolen email addresses and phone numbers to send spam and malspam (spam emails containing malware or links to malware).

In some cases, the scam asks users to allow it to display push notifications. If enabled, it will deliver spam notifications promoting untrustworthy/dangerous pages, various types of scams, and even malware.

Here are some examples of the spam notifications:

To summarize, the “Update Your Chrome browser extension” pop-up is a scam! The scam can lead to malware infection, loss of data, financial losses, theft of personal information and other serious problems.

How to protect against “Update Your Chrome browser extension” scam

To avoid becoming a victim of scammers, it is important to always keep in mind:

• Never install browser extensions (and other software) promoted by scam sites, as it can be useless, and besides, it can be dangerous for you and your computer.
• Close the “Update Your Chrome browser extension” pop-up as soon as it appears on your browser screen. Scammers can prevent you from closing it in various ways. In such cases, close your browser using Task Manager or restart your computer. If the next time you launch the browser, it prompts you to restore the previous session, abandon it, otherwise this scam will reopen on your screen.
• Use an ad blocker when browsing the internet. It can block known scam sites and protect you from scammers.

Threat Summary

Name	Update Your Chrome browser extension
Type	scam, phishing, fake alerts, redirect virus
Distribution	rogue ad networks, malicious advertisements, phishing pages, push notifications, torrent downloads, fake update tools
Related domains	ostlyhewould.xyz, airstossiplarge.com, launchrenewedhighlythefile.vip
Damage	malware infection, loss of data, financial losses, theft of personal information, other serious problems
Symptoms	malicious redirects, unwanted ads, new icons on your desktop, your browser search engine has replaced without your permission, slow Internet browsing speeds
Removal	Update Your Chrome browser extension Removal guide

Examples of such scams

The “Update Your Chrome browser extension” scam isn’t the only one on the Internet that aims to trick users to install malicious software. We have already reported on such scams many times: Your device might have security issues, Cleaner Update for Android is Recommended, Trojan Spyware Alert. Some of these scams are positioned as legitimate Microsoft, Google, Apple pages, but in fact have nothing to do with these companies. The pages should never be trusted, they should be closed as soon as they appear on the screen.

If your browser redirects to the Update Your Chrome browser extension scam regularly, then it is possible that Adware or PUAs are installed on your computer. Adware is a form malicious software that delivers advertisements and prompts intrusive advertising popups, while you browse the Net. Adware can replace the advertisements of other companies with its own. Another reason why you need to delete adware software is its online data-tracking activity. It can sometimes seek out your privacy information stored on the PC, collect this information and use it to steal your identity.

Where did “Update your Chrome browser extension” pop-ups come from

Usually, such scams are promoted by aggressive and malicious push notifications, shady websites, misleading advertisements, potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) and Adware. Adware is a term that originates from ‘ad software’. In many cases, ‘adware’ is considered by many to be synonymous with ‘malware’. Its purpose is to generate profit for its developer by serving unwanted advertisements to a user while the user is browsing the Internet. These ads are often shown as in-text links, unclosable windows or various offers and deals, push notifications and even fake virus alerts. Adware can work like Spyware, since it sends sensitive information such as searches and trends to advertisers.

Typically, adware ends up on personal computers bundled with freeware, malicious downloads, fake updates, shared files, and other unsafe software downloaded by users from the Internet. To avoid installing any adware: choose only manual, custom or advanced installation mode and disable any third-party applications that you are not sure about.

How to get rid of “Update your Chrome browser extension” pop-ups (Adware removal instructions)

In most cases, you can manually get rid of Update your Chrome browser extension pop-ups. This method does not involve the use of any tricks or removal tools. You just need to restore your computer and browser settings to normal. This can be done by following a few simple steps outlined below. If you want to quickly remove “Update your Chrome browser extension” pop-ups and also perform a full scan of your PC, we recommend that you use adware removal tools listed below.

To remove Update your Chrome browser extension pop-up, follow the steps below:

1. Remove spam notifications
2. Check the list of installed software
3. Remove Update your Chrome browser extension pop up scam from Google Chrome
4. Remove Update your Chrome browser extension from Mozilla Firefox
5. Automatic Removal of Adware
6. Stop Update your Chrome browser extension pop-ups

The step-by-step guide will help you manually remove Update your Chrome browser extension pop-ups from your computer. If you have little experience in using computers, we advise that you use free adware removers listed below.

Remove spam notifications

If you are receiving spam notifications, then you have previously clicked the “Allow” button. Below we will teach you how to turn them off.

Google Chrome:

• Click on ‘three dots menu’ button at the top-right corner of the Google Chrome window.
• Select ‘Settings’, scroll down to the bottom and click ‘Advanced’.
• At the ‘Privacy and Security’ section click ‘Site settings’.
• Click on ‘Notifications’.
• Locate a malicious site and click the three vertical dots button next to it, then click on ‘Remove’.

Android:

• Open Chrome.
• Tap on the Menu button (three dots) on the top right corner of the screen.
• In the menu tap ‘Settings’, scroll down to ‘Advanced’.
• In the ‘Site Settings’, tap on ‘Notifications’, locate a scam URL and tap on it.
• Tap the ‘Clean & Reset’ button and confirm.

Mozilla Firefox:

• In the top right corner, click the Firefox menu (three bars).
• In the drop-down menu select ‘Options’. In the left side select ‘Privacy & Security’.
• Scroll down to ‘Permissions’ section and click ‘Settings…’ button next to ‘Notifications’.
• Find suspicious URLs, click the drop-down menu and select ‘Block’.
• Click ‘Save Changes’ button.

Edge:

• Click the More button (three dots) in the top-right corner of the window.
• Scroll down, locate and click ‘Settings’. In the left side select ‘Advanced’.
• In the ‘Website permissions’ section click ‘Manage permissions’.
• Disable the on switch for scam domains.

Internet Explorer:

• Click the Gear button on the top-right corner of the browser.
• Select ‘Internet options’.
• Click on the ‘Privacy’ tab and select ‘Settings’ in the pop-up blockers section.
• Locate a scam site and click the ‘Remove’ button to delete the site.

Safari:

• Go to ‘Preferences’ in the Safari menu.
• Select the ‘Websites’ tab and then select ‘Notifications’ section on the left panel.
• Find a scam site and select it, click the ‘Deny’ button.

Check the list of installed software

Adware removal process is generally the same in all versions of Windows from 11 to XP. Check the list of installed software on your computer and remove all unused, unknown and suspicious software.

Windows 7	Windows 8
Click ‘Start’. In the Start menu select ‘Control Panel’. Find and select ‘Programs and Features’ or ‘Uninstall a program’. Select the program. Click ‘Uninstall’.	Press and hold Windows key and hit X key. Select ‘Programs and Features’ from the menu. Select the program. Click ‘Uninstall’.
Windows 10	Mac OS
Press and hold Windows key and hit X key. Select ‘Programs and Features’ from the menu. Select the program. Click ‘Uninstall’.	On the top menu select ‘Go’, then ‘Applications’. Drag an unwanted application to the Trash bin. Right-click on the ‘Trash’ and select ‘Empty Trash’.

Remove Update your Chrome browser extension pop-ups from Google Chrome

This step will show you how to restore your original Chrome browser settings. This can remove rogue pop-ups and fix some browsing issues, especially after adware infection. However, your topics, bookmarks, history, passwords, and web form autofill data will not be deleted.

1. First start the Google Chrome and click Menu button (small button in the form of three dots).
2. It will show the Google Chrome main menu. Choose More Tools, then press Extensions.
3. You will see the list of installed add-ons. If the list has the extension labeled with “Installed by enterprise policy” or “Installed by your administrator”, then complete the following guide: Remove Chrome extensions installed by enterprise policy.
4. Now open the Chrome menu once again, click the “Settings” menu.
5. You will see the Google Chrome’s settings page. Scroll down and click “Advanced” link.
6. Scroll down again and click the “Reset” button.
7. The Chrome will display the reset profile settings page as shown on the image above.
8. Next press the “Reset” button.
9. Once this process is done, your web browser’s home page, newtab and search engine by default will be restored to their original defaults.
10. To learn more, read the blog post How to reset Chrome settings to default.

Remove Update your Chrome browser extension from Mozilla Firefox

Resetting Mozilla Firefox will remove redirects to the Update your Chrome browser extension scam, fix changed settings, disable malicious extensions, and restore security settings altered by adware. However, your saved passwords and bookmarks will not be changed, deleted or cleared.

First, start the Mozilla Firefox. Next, click the button in the form of three horizontal stripes (). It will open the drop-down menu. Next, press the Help button ().

In the Help menu click the “Troubleshooting Information”. In the upper-right corner of the “Troubleshooting Information” page click on “Refresh Firefox” button like below.

Confirm your action, click the “Refresh Firefox”.

Automatic Removal of Adware

The guide above is tedious and may not always help you remove adware and rogue pop-ups completely. Here I will tell you the automatic way to completely remove adware from your PC. Zemana, MalwareBytes, and Hitman Pro are anti-malware utilities that can find and remove all kinds of malware, including adware that causes scam pop-ups.

Remove Update your Chrome browser extension scam with MalwareBytes

We recommend using MalwareBytes AntiMalware, which will completely clean your computer of adware. This free malware remover is an advanced malware removal software developed by (c) Malwarebytes Lab. It uses the world’s most popular anti-malware technology. Malwarebytes can help you remove adware, PUPs, malware, hijackers, toolbars, ransomware and get rid of the “Update your Chrome browser extension” pop-ups for free.

1. Visit the page linked below to download the latest version of MalwareBytes for Microsoft Windows. Save it directly to your Desktop.
   
   

   Malwarebytes Anti-malware
   326377 downloads
   Author: Malwarebytes
   Category: Security tools
   Update: April 15, 2020
   
2. When the download is done, close all programs and windows on your computer. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s named MBsetup.
3. Choose “Personal computer” option and click Install button. Follow the prompts.
4. Once setup is finished, press the “Scan” button to perform a system scan for adware and other malware. A system scan can take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your personal computer. While the MalwareBytes Anti Malware utility is scanning, you can see how many objects it has identified as being infected by malware.
5. After MalwareBytes completes the scan, it will open you the results. In order to remove all threats, simply click “Quarantine”. After finished, you can be prompted to restart your PC.

The following video demonstrates how to use MalwareBytes to remove browser hijackers, adware and other malware.

Remove Update your Chrome browser extension pop-ups with Zemana

Zemana Anti Malware is a free malware removal tool for Windows OS that allows you to find and remove adware and other unwanted programs such as PUPs, malicious browser add-ons, browser toolbars.

1. First, visit the page linked below, then click the ‘Download’ button in order to download the latest version of Zemana.
   
   

   Zemana AntiMalware
   164023 downloads
   Author: Zemana Ltd
   Category: Security tools
   Update: July 16, 2019
   
2. Once you have downloaded the install file, make sure to double click on the Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup. This would start the Zemana installation on your PC.
3. Select installation language and press ‘OK’ button.
4. On the next screen ‘Setup Wizard’ simply click the ‘Next’ button and follow the prompts.
   
5. Finally, once the install is finished, Zemana Anti-Malware will open automatically. Else, if does not then double-click on the Zemana icon on your desktop.
6. Now that you have successfully install Zemana, let’s see How to use it to remove Update your Chrome browser extension pop-ups from your computer.
7. After you have opened the Zemana AntiMalware, you will see a window as shown on the image below, just press ‘Scan’ button to perform a system scan with this tool for adware.
   
8. Now pay attention to the screen while Zemana Anti-Malware scans your PC.
   
9. After the scan is finished, Zemana will show a screen that contains a list of malicious software that has been detected. In order to remove all items, simply click ‘Next’ button.
   
10. Zemana may require a restart computer in order to complete the malware removal process.
11. If you want to permanently delete adware from your personal computer, then click ‘Quarantine’ icon, select all malicious software, adware, potentially unwanted applications and other items and press Delete.
12. Reboot your computer to complete the removal process.

Remove Update your Chrome browser extension pop-ups from browsers with HitmanPro

HitmanPro is a free malware removal tool. It removes potentially unwanted applications, adware, browser hijackers, and malicious browser extensions. It will detect and remove adware causing Update your Chrome browser extension pop-ups. Hitman Pro uses very small computer resources and is portable program. What’s more, Hitman Pro adds another layer of malware protection.

First, click the following link, then click the ‘Download’ button in order to download the latest version of HitmanPro.

When downloading is done, open the file location and double-click the Hitman Pro icon. It will launch the Hitman Pro utility. If the User Account Control prompt will ask you want to run the program, press Yes button to continue.

Next, press “Next” . Hitman Pro will scan through the whole computer for adware software, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. When a threat is found, the count of the security threats will change accordingly. Wait until the the scanning is finished.

As the scanning ends, it will open the Scan Results like below.

Once you have selected what you want to remove from your PC press “Next” button. It will open a dialog box, click the “Activate free license” button. Hitman Pro will remove adware related to scam popups and move the selected threats to the Quarantine. Once the clean-up is finished, the tool may ask you to restart your device.

Stop Update your Chrome browser extension pop-ups

Use an ad blocking program like AdGuard to stop unwanted ads, malvertisements, pop-ups and online trackers, avoid installing malware and adware browser add-ons that affect your PC performance and impact your PC security. Browse the World Wide Web anonymously and stay safe online!

Visit the following page to download AdGuard. Save it on your Windows desktop.

After downloading it, double-click the downloaded file to launch it. The “Setup Wizard” window will show up on the computer screen as displayed on the image below.

Follow the prompts. AdGuard will then be installed and an icon will be placed on your desktop. A window will show up asking you to confirm that you want to see a quick tutorial as shown in the figure below.

Press “Skip” button to close the window and use the default settings, or click “Get Started” to see an quick guidance which will allow you get to know AdGuard better.

Each time, when you start your computer, AdGuard will start automatically and stop unwanted advertisements, block Update your Chrome browser extension scam, as well as other malicious or scam sites. For an overview of all the features of the program, or to change its settings you can simply double-click on the AdGuard icon, that is located on your desktop.

To sum up

We hope this article helped you learn more about the Update your Chrome browser extension Scam and avoid the scammers’ tricks. If you have questions or additional information for our readers, please leave a comment.